Govt. challenges AI on hit list

16 March 2010 08:18 am - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Gandhya Senanayake

The Defence Ministry today challenged the international human rights group Amnesty International (AI) to release the allged media hit list in it's possession to the public in order to prove that such a list actually exists.

Defence Spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told Daily Mirror online that for the past four years, gross allegations were being made against the government and organizations such as AI were continuing this trend.

“Sri Lanka has been a country which has defeated terrorism. Because we had the power to do it, some organizations have been badly hurt by this and AI may be one of them. If they have the hit list, we challenge them to prove it,” Minister Rambuwella said.

He further accused AI of being biased despite the government having discussions with them in the past.

AI claims it is in possession of a “hit list” believed to be compiled by the Sri Lankan intelligence unit with names of at least 35 leading journalists and NGO officers.

The organisation, in a statement, claimed that the list then grades each of them according to their importance to the intelligence services. AI fears that the leak was a deliberate move by the government to intimidate and harass journalists in the country.

Meanwhile in a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat, it stated that after having made its own inquiries into these allegations, the Office of the President has not found evidence of any such list of persons prepared by the State Intelligence Service as stated or by any other law enforcement authority.

"Any investigation by the authorities on alleged or suspected illegal or criminal activities are, and will be, conducted strictly in accordance with the law," the statement said.

The statement added that the government remains totally committed to the principles of democracy and the protection of Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and all inquiries conducted by the law enforcement authorities are done fully in keeping with the law, and not in breach
of accepted standards of Human Rights, with all citizens having full recourse to the Courts and due process. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 23

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 10:42 AM

while you challenge AI, there are many challenges you(GOSL) will have to face from different corner. Am I right Sir?

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 02:29 PM

This guy is a turncoat from the UNP who sold his self respect for position,power,perks and a portfolio. He has been a mouthpiece of MR and puts his foot in his mouth often.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 09:12 AM

Wheever you stop begging? Or Queeing in from of their embassays

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:00 PM

Mr. Minister, judgment day is getting so close ...

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:38 PM

Why don't you take that list and ...

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 06:25 PM

This government is bound to come crashing down - for its sheer arrogance, hypocrisy, double standards, corruption, nepotism & ineptitude.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 06:20 PM

Sir, change your spectacles ...

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 06:09 PM

Here comes another one ... the king of denials.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 12:28 PM

We recall what happened to Weliamuna recently.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 12:15 PM

Have you ever accepted responsibility to any events happened under your watch? You just deny, deny and deny...............So if Al come up the list you simply deny.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:11 AM

when did u people accepted the truth??

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 10:54 AM

Shame on you how dare you called this is government coz not... you lot are dictators.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:31 AM

Oh God,how innocent the Minister is! I suggest him to get in touch with NIB, instead of AI.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 10:05 AM

Good prove it AI. Then everybody can see it.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:57 AM

Cat & Mouse, only question is which is which?

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:40 AM

WHEN WILL THEY LEAVE US A LONE.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:40 AM

That the way to go. Push them to prove their aligation. Seems AI has adopted MANGI's magic Soup.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:29 AM

Aney Kheliya here you go again. Why are you always in a state of denial? Sri Lanka is no paradise.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:25 AM

here is another wagabond. Probe the history of this man.Its all stinking.Fake heros of our mother land when the real hero is behind bars.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 09:09 AM

Mr kegeliya you cant hide the truth by challenging an international organisation like amnesty international. If your hand is clean come out and prove that you all innocent.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:41 AM

a.i. will produce a fake copy, origin berlin,like the fake film shown in channel 4 bbc. ranjit de mel berlin

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:39 AM

Official Mr. Denial. One fine day, he will be forced to deny his own existence.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:38 AM

Come AI, I too need to know if I am on the list so I can be famous.

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Govt. challenges AI on hit list

Comments - 23

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